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Impressions from the Paris motor show floor: Jaguar F-Type, Volkswagen Golf and French automakers all contribute to a great show

September 26, 2012

Jaguar made a big splash at the Paris motor show with the F-Type sports car.

Living up to a legend is not easy, but the Jaguar F-Type is off to a strong start. One of the spotlight reveals of the 2012 Paris motor show, the modern British sports car looked impressive on the stand, drawing a large and interested crowd for its early morning reveal.

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum was succinct at the press conference: "It's a sports car that really is true to Jaguar's values. I really don't need to say much else. This car speaks for itself."

Indeed.

With three engine choices, the F-Type offers a range of power options, though the 5.0-liter V8 looks most alluring for enthusiasts. The car heralds a return to the sporting heritage on which Jagaur was founded 90 years ago. While it is the successor to the E-type, the modern car must spell sales and profits for the company.

Meanwhile, the redesigned Volkswagen Golf debuted to its own large crowd, representing the sheer sales volume and importance of the car. While it will join the European lineup this year, Americans won't get the new Golf until the first half of 2014-well into the Golf's lifecycle.

VW of America president Jonathan Browning demurred when asked by Autoweek if he wanted the car sooner.

"We've got a lot on our plate," he said. "This is about building for the long-term."

The GTI "concept" also previewed the hot hatch the U.S. market will get-eventually.

Peugeot turned heads with the Onyx concept.

Home teams endure

The French came out in full force for their local show, with impressive displays from Renault, Citroen and Peugeot. Despite economic uncertainty in Europe, the companies pressed ahead with splashy items such as Peugeot's Onyx concept, which had a V8 hybrid diesel, and bottom-line products such as Renault's Clio small car.

The Onyx has a carbon chassis and looks vaguely like a Le Mans racer-some Peugeot chest-thumping on its home turf.

Ferrari showed the barebones skeleton of the Enzo successor, drawing considerable attention for maybe one-quarter of a car. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said the Enzo successor will be a hybrid, and the chassis will be made in-house. Interestingly, he teased that the full car will be revealed as soon as early next year.

The 2012 Paris motor show--or Mondial de l'Automobile, as it is officially known--will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. 14. It occurs every two years, alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. Paris is a showcase for design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars. Check out Autoweek's coverage of the Paris motor show here.